Moving to Mexico

Moving to Mexico

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I am thinking about moving to the Chapala area. I would love to talk with some American ex-pats and also some REPUTABLE real estate people. I will be in Chapala on May 18th and 19th. I also need some info on a reasonably priced motel or hotel to stay for 2 nights. Thanks.

tashby

Apr 19, 2011, 4:01 PM

Post #2 of 22 (5119 views)

Re: [spiritjohn1] Moving to Mexico

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Even though it's entering the low season, you'll have no trouble finding expats (American and otherwise) to talk to. Head to the Lake Chapala Society one morning if you're staying in Ajijic. In Chapala, I hear they congregate at the American Legion, but I don't know for sure as I've never been. In either town, you will certainly find them in the plazas, at restaurants, etc.

I'm more familiar with the hotels and B&Bs in Ajijic, than Chapala. Everyone has a different definition of "reasonably priced", but one of the less expensive ones in Ajijic, that is perfectly comfortable, is Ajijic Suites.

http://www.ajijicsuites.com/rezeasy.html

There is also no shortage of real estate people, many of whom are both professional and reputable. I, personally, wouldn't refer you to one over another unless you offered more information. (What type of place you might be looking for, what area, price, etc., etc.) Some of them are better at some things, others better at others, and some are best for specific areas. If you just need general information, any of the real estate offices can provide you with that.

Good luck

chinagringo

Apr 19, 2011, 6:55 PM

Post #3 of 22 (5086 views)

Re: [spiritjohn1] Moving to Mexico

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Reputable? Good luck with that one either NOB or SOB!

If you haven't found the MLS site, here it is:
http://www.mlsmexico.com/chapala/

The prevailing wisdom is not to even think about purchasing a home until you have rented for a minimum of 6 months and a year would probably be more prudent.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Apr 21, 2011, 6:04 AM

Post #4 of 22 (4949 views)

Re: [spiritjohn1] Moving to Mexico

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Hi

I would also suggest you rent for a year and try to rent in different places yes it is a pain to move but
you won't know how you will react to a village neighbor who is making furniture for example and spraying
laquer and using tools all the time. You might want to try a gated community which tend to be quieter
and more NOB like in many ways. I like the villages down in the center and would be bored stiff living in
many gated communities but it is noisy you hear church bells cars going by next to your windows etc etc
etc.

Good luck on the real estate agents we have tried three and will not use any of them. I am sure there are
good ones but I don't know one yet. Two out of the three lied or did not disclose knowledge about a
property to us.

I would suggest you go to a good rental agency (we use Roma in Ajijic) and rent a house for a while.
They will make it easy to pay bills and such for a newbie. Yes it costs a little but I don't think you are
aware how much more difficult it is to pay bills here. You don't mail anything with a check in it at least
I don't.

Have fun but take your time. If you still want to run out and buy good luck but beware you are doing
something nobody suggests. If you want to see what is going on real estate wise check out the open
houses it is a good way to start and give you some knowledge and is also a way to meet agents and
hopefully you will meet one you like and is professional.

Z

CanuckBob

Apr 21, 2011, 6:41 AM

Post #5 of 22 (4931 views)

Re: [Zardoz] Moving to Mexico

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I totally agree. We have been coming down for 5 years (4 - 6 weeks at a time) and have rented various houses in Chapala, San Juan Cosala, West Ajijic & East Ajijic. One of the houses was waterfront, one was up the side of the mountain and two were in the core of Chapala and Ajijic. We still haven't fully decided what we will want when we come down FT next year. We do know that a lake view & lake breeze will be mandatory. We also know that with the ever increasing traffic on the caraterra that we would want to be somewhere between Chapala and East Ajijic so we don't have to cross Ajijic to go most places. Probably on the north side of the caraterra where the views are more prominent (unless we can find lakefront). We are thinking, the hills just outside Chapala, Chula Vista, Upper La Floresta or upper East Ajijic. We will still rent for a year or so once we are down. I would even be inclined to find a place that is for sale and try to do a lease to own deal so if you don't like it after a year you can walk away. If you do like it you can purchase and have a portion of your payments go towards the sale price.

Bob
Inside Lakeside
http://lakechapalainfo.bigforumpro.com/

Apr 21, 2011, 7:55 AM

Post #6 of 22 (4909 views)

Re: [CanuckBob] Moving to Mexico

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RENT RENT RENT. TRUST NO AGENT.

Then, after you have become acquainted with the neighborhoods on the lake, be aware that a beautiful piece of property in great shape can have the kinds of problems you would never find up north. There are depths of Plumbing Hell you can't imagine until you encounter them. ( Bitter little LOL.) Tiny example: kitchen sink not connected to sewer line, but empties two feet under the neighbors' property. Discovered when neighbor starts digging for room addition. Very wet gopher holes.

As for lake views, they are fine if everything else is good. Lakefront properties have another problem: If there is space between you and the actual lake (which varies from year to year), you'll have noisy parties, vandalism and sometimes more thievery than elsewhere. You may also find the lake in your yard, or worse, some years. Not so many years ago.........the lake nearly disappeared to over a mile out and crops were grown where the water used to be. No reason it couldn't happen again.

In Ajijic Village, some streets have buses, delivery trucks and a high level of commercial activity. Some are quiet as can be when the day winds down. Noise travels up the hills, so the downtown fiestas will be heard best where the lake views are, across the carreters.

Never buy next to a vacant lot. Not only can your lake view disappear, but we know one family whose gorgeous house bordered a vacant lot and a defunct restaurant below when they bought. Now there is a very popular eatery and a new car wash there.

Remember also that disclosure laws do not exist here. You are on your own to discover the flaws during the inspection period. Some of those would involve tearing up the floor and digging into the walls to discover.......which you won't be permitted to do.............so watch your assets and hope for the best. Above all: love the location and all the rest of the pain will eventually work itself out. This is the Voice of Experience talking, after four years and many, many $$$$ with our ancient casa.

Gated communities have their virtues, but IMHO, there nothing that beats heading out the door early in the morning and going a block down to the malecon for a lakeside walk. Aaaah.

Rolly

Apr 21, 2011, 8:09 AM

Post #7 of 22 (4900 views)

Re: [spiritjohn1] Moving to Mexico

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On my website, I have a four-part article on renting, buying and building in México that you may find useful.
http://rollybrook.com/finding_a_place.htm

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

Apr 21, 2011, 12:22 PM

Post #8 of 22 (4853 views)

Re: [Gringal] Moving to Mexico

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I agree with everything Gringal has said but that is not surprising as we live close to
each other in lower Ajijic. But let me get more story like about what it is like to live
in a house that is right on September 16th by LCS.

Latest story
Only place in the world I have lived where I reached out my second story window and touched a
big SAAB Bus trying to drive down September 16th street in lower Ajijic near LCS. I hope you
people have a vision of this in your head but trust me between all the poorly parked gringo
cars it was an incredible situation. (FYI they made it out.. you know they always do you know).

Can you enjoy a young lovers couple talking 10 ft under your window at 2AM with him trying to
sing to her in a booze induced bravery.

All the incredible conversations we hear from you folks walking by our houses and going to LCS.
(Funny things have been said and I will leave it at that)

BOOM BOOOM BOOOM about 20/30 days a year as the mexicans set off rockets with M80 like
charges that rock the neighborhood. ( you either get use to it or you leave by the way)

Gong Gong Gong Gong that nice pretty church has some big noisy bells on Sunday morning at 7AM.

Note I am not complaining as I live next to Downtown in my Oregun home so I am use to noisy
environments. I knew what I was getting into and I actually like it. Maybe I won't at some point
but life is interesting and yes I also know that is a chinese curse. When the horses go by and
perfect looking mexican cowboy rides high and with pride it is worth every noisy second.

Z

Apr 21, 2011, 12:57 PM

Post #9 of 22 (4837 views)

Re: [Zardoz] Moving to Mexico

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I think I know which house Zardoz is in, and if I'm right.......it's right on the street so that all going by can be heard.
We, on the other hand, have a casa set so far back on the lot that our off street parking plus a large patio area and a wall is between us and the street noise. I'd recommend that kind of situation if quietude is desired.

Those are not the most melodious church bells, either. They also have a better set, but "save" them for special occasions.
Easter is coming and we shall see.

I won't even go into a rant about the way some folks park on that narrow street with their monster SUV's. I will say that Mexican delivery truck drivers are right up there with the Italians. They are GOOD.

On the other hand, we miss out on all that eavesdropping! LOL.

Apr 21, 2011, 1:26 PM

Post #10 of 22 (4830 views)

Re: [Gringal] Moving to Mexico

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Oh Gringal you can't imagine what we hear from both Mexicans and Gringoes going by.
Huh Huh Huh.......:-)

Other fun things to do if you live on Septembre 16th.

People like to look into the house not understanding I am standing in the window inside
the house as the glass is kinda foggy. We just wave now nothing to see anyway as
we are way past showing age :-) We do like the light when we don't have the drapes closed.

I didn't see your garage. You mean you missed the 10 ft tall by 8 ft wide black garage door with
the NO E sign next to it and parked anyway.. Hate to say this folks but 9 out of 10 times it is a gringo
who does this. Mexicans will actually ring our bell and ask if they can park in front of our garage
and we say yes. No problema senior/senora

You know probably shouldn't park that car in that yellow and red area next to that telephone pole
accross the street. Folks if you saw how close the Zeta Zeta Gas truck or bigger trucks come next
to your car you wouldn't park there and oh yea fold in your mirrors both of them. We need room on
the sidewalk side also so folks can walk.

Well if I have not scared away everybody from village life I wouldn't live any other place down here
other than another village. In fact I have to go home in a week or so and I am not happy about that.

Z

Apr 21, 2011, 1:51 PM

Post #11 of 22 (4813 views)

Re: [Zardoz] Moving to Mexico

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The only advice I can offer on that one is that you should never, ever rent or buy a house on the parking side of a one way street like 16 Septiembre. It can cause blood pressure problems.

No sign is big enough: no threat of towing strong enough to deter the jerk who is ENTITLED to park in front of your garage door. If, by some odd chance, you catch him or her in the act.........he/she will act like they were just leaving and didn't see the sign. Oh, right. At this point, just stand there looking innocent or watching for someone coming down the street until they actually depart. Otherwise, they'll wait till you go in......and then park.
I have learned a lot about the Dark Side of humanity, living there.

Fortunately, we bought on the Other Side of the street, but feel great empathy for my neighbors on the parking side..

Leaving already, Zardoz? Too bad. Well........next time.

CanuckBob

Apr 21, 2011, 8:59 PM

Post #12 of 22 (4749 views)

Re: [Gringal] Moving to Mexico

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Perhaps two large metal doors that swing open into the side of the vehicle will start to deter some...........

Bob
Inside Lakeside
http://lakechapalainfo.bigforumpro.com/

CanuckBob

Apr 21, 2011, 9:01 PM

Post #13 of 22 (4748 views)

Re: [CanuckBob] Moving to Mexico

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Oh yeah and best to wait until they are about 10 feet from returning to their car when you hit the button. Could be hours of entertainment.

Bob
Inside Lakeside
http://lakechapalainfo.bigforumpro.com/

joaquinx

Apr 22, 2011, 5:44 AM

Post #14 of 22 (4714 views)

Re: [CanuckBob] Moving to Mexico

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Or, with a baseball bat smack the front bumper and activate the airbags.

Apr 22, 2011, 5:56 AM

Post #15 of 22 (4707 views)

Re: [CanuckBob] Moving to Mexico

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Oh sorry but it is a normal Gringo type garage door that goes up that makes it even funnier
that they park there. I also hate to say it but Luxury or large SUV seems to be the majority
of shall we say rude parkers.

I do admit I have thrown a dead bat or two on the more expensive cars poorly parked but
one time from somebody who told he would park where he wanted to I decided it was a
good time to clean out the roof and you know where the water goes in a roof. So I basically
covered his car with hummingbird poop and all the plant crap that comes out the scuppers
on the roof. I enjoyed that and we never saw him again.

Z

Apr 22, 2011, 8:07 AM

Post #16 of 22 (4676 views)

Re: [Zardoz] Moving to Mexico

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I do like the creativity exhibited in the above posts. "The householders' revenge" Sound of trumpets.

I have found that the "luxury" car folks do seem to be the rudest, but that's probably not an entirely fair statement. I'll just say it's particularly noticeable when an Escalade or Land Rover does the dirty deed.

Reasons? There is a sense of entitlement that seems to adhere to wealth, especially new wealth; a sense that it includes the right to more space or prohibited space or abnegates the need for a certain basic level of consideration for others.

So, after a "border promotion" and the proceeds of whatever they sold in the U.S., we get instant snobs with a sense of entitlement, along with a big-arsed car and the need to park closer than a block from their destination, no matter what.

Personally, I find it amusing. Especially since they can't park on MY side of the street. LOLOL.

chinagringo

Apr 22, 2011, 8:29 AM

Post #17 of 22 (4667 views)

Re: [Gringal] Moving to Mexico

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While the weather is such an attraction, it is too bad you don't get freezing weather. Going back to my youth, I remember a kid's prank that would certainly get their attention. Soak newspapers in water and then carefully apply single pages the exterior of all freezing windows on the vehicle. I want to tell you that it takes a great deal of scraping and elbow grease to remove all of the residue! And no permanent damage done to the vehicle.

How about removing all four valve stems out of the tires? Easily done, takes very little time, no permanent damage done and they might just get the message!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Apr 22, 2011, 8:37 AM

Post #18 of 22 (4664 views)

Re: [chinagringo] Moving to Mexico

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I understand there is a very hungry towing company hereabouts. Another approach, hmmm? I'd guess that finding one's carriage missing would definitely get some attention!

We are, after all, seeking behavior modification as the ultimate goal.

simpsca

Apr 22, 2011, 9:12 AM

Post #19 of 22 (4651 views)

Re: [spiritjohn1] Moving to Mexico

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A Mexican girlfriend in Guadalajara told me what to do if someone parks in front of your gate or garage door. Take two fresh eggs and break them into the area by the windshield wiper but be sure it goes down into the lower area also. The sun will dry the egg as hard as a rock making it very difficult to remove:)

chinagringo

Apr 22, 2011, 9:51 AM

Post #20 of 22 (4632 views)

Re: [Gringal] Moving to Mexico

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"We are, after all, seeking behavior modification as the ultimate goal."

IMO, behavior modification is probably best accomplished when the "patient" doesn't realize that they are being manipulated or re-conditioned. Causing permanent damage or other forms of monetary damage ie: towing, often results in retaliation or the involvement of the legal wheels of justice. Having one's vehicle egged or the air let out of tires or for that matter any other creative non damaging prank will often get their attention without them knowing where they came from. Even a real dummy might get the message after two or maybe even three incidents.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Apr 22, 2011, 10:49 AM

Post #21 of 22 (4620 views)

Re: [chinagringo] Moving to Mexico

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Chinagringo is right as much satisfaction to tow a car or whatever our devious little minds come up
with is not the right thing to do. Having a car towed in Mexico is cruel and unusual punishment as
it will take a day or so to find it and it can be damaged during towing. No need to be this nasty
no matter what satisfaction is derived from the act. Not worth the bad Kharma in my mind.

Right now someone is parked in the yellow zone accross from the telephone pole and the trucks
can't make it through. People are pissed. Hope they don't get towed.

WE HAVE KINDA DRIFTED OFF TOPIC SO I WILL START ANOTHER TOPIC ABOUT PARKING.

Z

Apr 22, 2011, 12:00 PM

Post #22 of 22 (4606 views)